How to Make a Fundraising Thermometer

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When you need a fund-raising thermometer for an organization, company or school event, you don't need to waste your hard-earned dollars buying an expensive pre-made one. Fund-raising thermometers are inexpensive to make and will work just as well as any store-bought thermometer for your fundraiser. The best thing about a homemade thermometer is you can show off your recycling savvy skills while you raise money for an important cause, too.

Things You'll Need

White poster board

Red and black markers

Sketch the shape of an old-fashioned mercury thermometer on the poster board. Make it look like a genuine thermometer by defining the bulb and the column inside the thermometer that contains mercury. If you don't trust your freehand drawing skills, use a large clipart image of thermometer as a template.

Trace the sketch with the black marker and fill in the very bottom with red marker so that it looks like the mercury is ready to rise.

Make marks along one side of the thermometer where temperature degrees would usually be. Write down monetary amounts, starting at the bottom and working your way up in whichever goal increments you would like.

Write your goal amount at the top of the thermometer in bold red.

Begin collecting money. Every time you reach another increment of money, raise the mercury level of your thermometer by filling in the column with red marker to reflect the current amount of money raised. Continue until you reach your goal.

Consider using a simple web application to create a fund-raising thermometer online if your business or organization has a website.